Explore the Long Leaf Park - The Sociable Adventurer

Long Leaf Park is the kind of place that has a little bit of everything. Sprawling across 115 acres in central New Hanover County, it’s one of Wilmington’s most beloved public parks, packed with playgrounds, sports courts, walking trails, gardens, and just about every kind of family-friendly amenity a park can offer. Whether you’re here to walk the dog, throw a birthday party, get a quick workout in, or just spend a sunny afternoon under the trees, it has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the YouTube video and pictures below to get a feel for the park before you go — or to relive the visit after.

A True Urban Oasis

Tucked just south of UNCW and a short drive from downtown, Long Leaf Park has long been one of the area’s go-to gathering spots. The park is shaded by towering longleaf pines — the very trees that give it its name — along with hardwoods, gardens, and tranquil pond areas that make it feel surprisingly removed from the busy roads around it. Formerly known as Hugh MacRae Park, it was renamed in 2020 and continues to be one of New Hanover County’s most well-used green spaces.

What makes it special is the sheer variety. You can be playing tennis on one side of the park while families are picnicking on another, kids are running through the splash pad, and someone’s working their way through the ninja fitness course just around the corner.

What You’ll Find

The park’s amenities go on and on. A few of the highlights:

A 1.55-mile paved walking trail loops the perimeter of the park, with a shorter inner trail for a quicker walk. It’s flat, shaded, and great for walking, jogging, biking, strollers, or wheelchairs.
A fully accessible playground plus a separate playground area, designed to let kids of all ages and abilities play side by side.
A Miracle Field — a rubberized turf surface that allows people with mobility challenges to play baseball and other sports.
Sports facilities including four lighted tennis courts, baseball fields, a full-size lighted basketball court, and a sand volleyball court.
A Ninja Fitness Obstacle Course and outdoor exercise stations — both free to use.
A seasonal splash pad that’s a huge hit with kids during the warmer months.
An off-leash dog park with separate areas for big and small dogs, plus lights for evening use.
Six reservable picnic shelters with electricity, water, restrooms, and grills — perfect for birthday parties and family gatherings.
A beautiful garden area with a pond, bridge, and gazebo, popular for weddings, photos, and quiet strolls.

A Park for All Ages and All Abilities

One of the things that sets Long Leaf apart is how genuinely inclusive it is. Between the accessible playground, the Miracle Field, the paved trail, and the well-spaced shaded picnic areas, the park is designed so visitors of any age or ability can spend a comfortable day outdoors. Locals show up for everything from sunrise jogs to engagement photos to community events like Earth Day festivals and “Pawz in the Park,” and you can usually spot a youth baseball game or birthday party in full swing on the weekends.

Good to Know

Location: 314 Pine Grove Drive, Wilmington — centrally located near South College Road and Oleander Drive.
Hours: Open daily during normal park hours (generally sunrise to sunset, with some lighted areas open later).
Free admission and free on-site parking.
Picnic shelters and the garden area can be reserved in advance through New Hanover County Parks & Recreation — recommended on busy weekends or for special events.
Pet-friendly: Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park, and the off-leash dog park is one of the better ones in the area.
Phone: (910) 798-7620 for reservations and general info.

A Wilmington Favorite

Long Leaf Park is the kind of place locals fold into their regular routines — a morning walk, an after-work tennis match, weekend kids’ games, dog park afternoons. But it’s also genuinely worth a visit if you’re new to the area or passing through. Come for an hour, stay for an afternoon — there’s more here than you’ll get through in a single visit.